Detroit Red Wings Justin Abdelkader, Danny DeKeyser and
Jimmy Howard are among 48 players in Washington this week for the U.S. Olympic hockey team's orientation camp.

All are hoping to earn spots on the team that will represent
the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

NHL Network spoke with Abdelkader, who played for Team USA
at last year's World Championships, and got his thoughts on the camp as well as what he can bring to the ice if he represents the Americans again next
year in Russia.

Justin Abdelkader (right) played for Team USA in the 2012 World Championships.AP File Photo

"For me, I like to keep it simple," Abdelkader told NHL.com. "I like
to play good defensively. That's kind of my M.O. Get out on the forecheck and be
physical. I can be a physical presence but on the big ice I think I can skate pretty
good so I can get up and down the ice and create havoc around and in front of the
net."

Abdelkader said he's had a relaxing summer, spending much of
the offseason at his lake house near his native Muskegon while playing a little
golf.

He's also had time to digest the disappointing end to the
season, which saw the Red Wings lose Game 7 of the Western Conference
semifinals against eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago after they took a 3-1
series lead over the Blackhawks.

"You go throughout the summer and you kind of rehash the
game and the series and think about what you could have done to maybe help to get
by them," Abdelkader said. "To see them go on and win was definitely bittersweet
and tough but at the same time it showed
us how close we were to the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

"It motivates you throughout the summer and helps get you ready
for the season. It looks like a bright future for our team. We've got a lot of
good young guys making a push and coming up."

Abdelkader said the opportunity to make the Olympic team
will give him added motivation to start the season strong.